Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Castle · Arles, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Château des Baux-de-Provence
Ruins of a medieval fortress atop a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles, above the village of Les Baux-de-Provence, with views over the olive groves and the plain as far as the Camargue.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Château des Baux-de-Provence
Les Baux-de-Provence is a village in the Alpilles, about 20 km from Arles, built on a limestone rock. On the top are the ruins of the castle of the lords of Baux, a powerful medieval family that controlled dozens of towns in Provence. The fortress was dismantled in the 17th century by order of Louis XIII.
The visit goes across the plateau of the rock: remains of towers and walls, a keep, chapels, a dovecote and caves carved into the rock. Replicas of medieval war engines, such as catapults and trebuchets, are scattered across the site. From the top you can see the valley, the olive groves and, on a clear day, the plain as far as the Camargue and the sea.
The path to the castle crosses the village, with stone streets, Renaissance houses, shops, small museums and the Église Saint-Vincent, partly hewn into the rock. The village is on the list of the Plus Beaux Villages de France.
About 1 km away are the Carrières des Lumières, former quarries with projection exhibitions. There is a combined pass for both visits.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1h30 to 2 hours at the castle. With the village and the Carrières des Lumières, half a day or more.
Best time
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, outside guided-tour times and the worst heat. On mistral days the wind on the plateau is very strong. The castle is open year-round, with hours that vary by season; check before you go.
How to get there
By car, about 20 km from Arles and 30 km from Avignon. Parking lots are at the entrance to the village and are paid. There is a regional bus from Arles, with limited schedules during part of the year; check before you go.
Tip
Buy the combined pass with the Carrières des Lumières. Wear sturdy footwear: the plateau has loose stones and unprotected areas. Bring a jacket on windy days.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Château des Baux-de-Provence
Is Les Baux-de-Provence near Arles?
Yes, about 20 km, roughly a 25-minute drive. From Avignon it's about 30 km.
Is there a combined ticket with the Carrières des Lumières?
Yes, there is a pass that includes the castle and the Carrières des Lumières. Check prices and conditions before purchasing.
Is the castle accessible?
Partially. The terrain is rocky and uneven. There are special arrangements for people with reduced mobility; check with the Les Baux tourist office.